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To qualify for 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK+, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests; a good or acceptable rating in the small overlap front test; and an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention.

Applies to 2014-15 models built after October 2013

Important: Frontal crash test ratings should be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

The Mazda 3 was redesigned for the 2014 model year. Beginning with 2014 models built after October 2013, the front suspension was modified to improve occupant protection in small overlap frontal crashes. (Information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on the driver door or adjacent B-pillar.) The small overlap frontal ratings apply to both the hatchback and sedan versions of the Mazda 3.

Structure

The driver space was maintained well, with maximum intrusion of the lower interior of 12 cm at the lower hinge pillar. Upper interior intrusion measured 7-9 cm at the instrument panel.

Injury measures

Measures from the dummy indicate that injuries to the right lower leg would be possible in a crash of this severity. The risk of significant injuries to other body regions is low.

Restraints and dummy kinematics

The dummy’s movement was well controlled. The dummy’s head loaded the frontal airbag, which stayed in front of the dummy until rebound. The side curtain airbag deployed and had sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structure and outside objects. The side torso airbag also deployed.

Applies to 2014-15 models

Important: Frontal crash test ratings should be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

The Mazda 3 was redesigned for the 2014 model year. Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Mazda as part of frontal crash test verification. These ratings apply to both the sedan and hatchback versions of the Mazda 3.

Injury measures

Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Restraints and dummy kinematics

Dummy movement was well controlled. The driver side curtain and side torso airbags deployed during the crash. After the dummy moved forward into the frontal airbag, it rebounded into the seat without its head coming close to any stiff structure that could cause injury.

The Mazda 3 was redesigned for the 2014 model year. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Mazda as part of side crash test verification. These ratings apply to both the sedan and hatchback versions of the Mazda 3.

Injury measures

Driver — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Passenger — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Head protection

Driver — The dummy’s head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof.

Passenger — The dummy’s head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof.

Applies to 2014-15 models

Tested vehicleRating applies to both the Mazda 3 hatchback (tested) and the structurally similar Mazda 3 sedan.

2014 Mazda 3 i Touring 4-door

Roof strength test ratings can be compared across vehicle categories.

In the test, the strength of the roof is determined by pushing a metal plate against one side of it at a slow but constant speed. The force applied relative to the vehicle's weight is known as the strength-to-weight ratio. This graph shows how the ratio varied as the test of this vehicle progressed. The peak strength-to-weight ratio recorded at any time before the roof is crushed 5 inches is the key measurement of roof strength.

A good rating requires a strength-to-weight ratio of at least 4. In other words, the roof must withstand a force of at least 4 times the vehicle's weight before the plate crushes the roof by 5 inches. For an acceptable rating, the minimum required strength-to-weight ratio is 3.25. For a marginal rating, it is 2.5. Anything lower than that is poor.